📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Indian Navy
Business
India and New Zealand seal trade pact, lowering tariffs on kiwifruit, wine from October
✍️ bhaskarenglish.in
🗓 21 Sep 2026, 03:46 PM
👁 10
India and New Zealand have finalized a bilateral trade agreement that will come into force in October, cutting duties on a range of products including kiwifruit and wine.
New Delhi and Wellington concluded negotiations on a comprehensive trade deal that is scheduled to be operational from October this year. The agreement reduces import duties on several agricultural and beverage items, notably New Zealand kiwifruit, wine, and other horticultural produce, making them cheaper for Indian consumers.
The tariff cuts are expected to boost bilateral trade volumes, with Indian retailers likely to see lower wholesale prices and exporters in New Zealand anticipating increased market access. Both governments have highlighted the deal as a step toward deeper economic cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific region.
While the pact covers a broad range of goods, the immediate impact will be felt in the food‑and‑beverage sector, where reduced customs duties could translate into price savings for Indian shoppers and higher export earnings for New Zealand producers.
Trade ministries from both countries confirmed that the agreement also includes provisions for smoother customs procedures and enhanced regulatory cooperation, aiming to facilitate smoother trade flows.
The deal comes amid a broader push by India to diversify its import sources and by New Zealand to expand its presence in the South Asian market.
The tariff cuts are expected to boost bilateral trade volumes, with Indian retailers likely to see lower wholesale prices and exporters in New Zealand anticipating increased market access. Both governments have highlighted the deal as a step toward deeper economic cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific region.
While the pact covers a broad range of goods, the immediate impact will be felt in the food‑and‑beverage sector, where reduced customs duties could translate into price savings for Indian shoppers and higher export earnings for New Zealand producers.
Trade ministries from both countries confirmed that the agreement also includes provisions for smoother customs procedures and enhanced regulatory cooperation, aiming to facilitate smoother trade flows.
The deal comes amid a broader push by India to diversify its import sources and by New Zealand to expand its presence in the South Asian market.